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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Pocket watch

Watch by Noël Hubert

Partially verified

This watch, currently held by The Metropolitan Museum of Art (accession number 17.190.1594), is attributed to the watchmaker Noël Hubert. The object dates to the period circa 1612–1650 and is noted as originating from Rouen, France. Construction involves materials including rock crystal, gold, and enamel. The overall dimensions of the watch are 1 1/4 by 1 1/8 inches, or 3.2 by 2.9 centimeters. The object consists of an octagonal form featuring a hinged cover and an interior dial decorated with enamel. The museum catalogues this item within its Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. The watch is identified as part of the gift of J. Pierpont Morgan. Further horological investigation is required to confirm the specifications and the extent of the maker's attribution according to established specialist references.

Watch with octagonal case, lid open, showing dial with Roman numerals and enamel decoration.
Watch with octagonal case, lid open, showing dial with Roman numerals and enamel decoration. — The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Pocket watch · Pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Noël Hubert
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
17.190.1594
Source-reported date
ca. 1612–50
Source-reported place
French, Rouen

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Materials

The object is an octagonal-shaped watch, designed with a hinged cover that allows access to the internal dial. The case is constructed using a combination of rock crystal, gold, and enamel. The transparency of the rock crystal cover is visible in the provided imagery, which shows the dial beneath the closed lid.

The dimensions of the timepiece are documented as 1 1/4 inches by 1 1/8 inches, or 3.2 cm by 2.9 cm. These compact proportions suggest a handheld or portable function, consistent with the general classification of the object as a watch held within the museum's collection.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: rock crystal, gold, enamel”
  • “Overall: 1 1/4 × 1 1/8 in. (3.2 × 2.9 cm)”

Dial and Decoration

The dial of the watch features Roman numerals arranged in a circular track. A decorative, floral-inspired motif is centered on the dial plate. The dial is further surrounded by decorative work, which the source describes as enamel.

The design of the octagonal case incorporates colored enamel accents that frame the central dial area. The visual evidence shows the contrast between the metallic and enamel components of the case interior and the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: rock crystal, gold, enamel”

Attribution and Provenance

The watch is attributed to the maker Noël Hubert, who was active in Rouen, France, between 1612 and 1650. The piece is part of the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art and is registered under accession number 17.190.1594.

The provenance of the object includes its status as a gift from J. Pierpont Morgan, transferred to the museum in 1917. While the museum documentation provides these details, independent verification of the maker's attribution and the wider horological classification remains a subject for further research.

Evidence for this section
  • “Watchmaker: Noël Hubert (French, 1612–1650)”
  • “The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917”

Open research questions

  • What are the mechanical features of the movement housed within this octagonal case?
  • How does this specific watch compare to other known timepieces signed by Noël Hubert or produced in 17th-century Rouen?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Watch by Noël Hubert
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerNoël Hubert“Watchmaker: Noël Hubert (French, 1612–1650)”
Dateca. 1612–50“ca. 1612–50”
Materialsrock crystal, gold, enamel“Case: rock crystal, gold, enamel”
Dimensions1 1/4 × 1 1/8 in. (3.2 × 2.9 cm)“Overall: 1 1/4 × 1 1/8 in. (3.2 × 2.9 cm)”
Accession number17.190.1594“17.190.1594”
OriginRouen, France“French, Rouen”

Visible details

  • Octagonal shaped case construction
  • Hinged cover with transparent central panel
  • Dial featuring Roman numerals and central floral-style motif
  • Exterior surfaces exhibit decorative enamel work

Research qualifications

  • Maker attribution requires verification against independent horological references
  • Wider object type has not been independently verified beyond museum records

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Watch by Noël Hubert, French, Rouen, ca. 1612–50

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record eb75746e99

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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